Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitized information on demand, remote and/or local mass data stores are used to store digitized information for use in the generation of products such as software media. Available products and related information can be searched, browsed and requested at a local fulfillment unit; or requests can be made remotely. The products generated and associated packaging, certificates of authenticity, instruction manuals and license numbers may optionally include customer specific information, and customer given personalization. Additional security features include storing essential parts of the digitized information remotely so that products cannot be generated using only locally stored information; and recording the digitized information on the at least final segments of longer than standard format CDs preventing complete copies onto CDs of standard format.

Abstract: A method and system for selling a software product, and for preventing theft at the point of purchase, includes: manufacturing the software product at a sales outlet; generating a unique unlock code for the product, without which the product will not operate; displaying the product for sale at the sales outlet, while storing the unlock code separately from the product; and, on purchase of the product by a customer, supplying the customer with both the product and the unlock code. Since the unlock code is not printed onto the packaging, nor is it burned to the CD or other machine-readable media, the product can safely be left out for display and purchase in store without substantial risk of theft.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information on demand, remote and/or local mass data stores are used to store digitised information for use in the generation of products such as software media. Available products and related information can be searched, browsed and requested at a local fulfilment unit; or requests can be made remotely. The products generated and associated packaging, certificates of authenticity, instruction manuals and licence numbers may optionally include customer specific information, and customer given personalisation. Additional security features include storing essential parts of the digitised information remotely so that products can not be generated using only locally stored information; and recording the digitised information on the at least final segments of longer than standard format CDs preventing complete copies onto CDs of standard format.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information on demand, remote and/or local mass data stores are used to store digitised information for use in the generation of products such as software media. Available products and related information can be searched, browsed and requested at a local fulfilment unit; or requests can be made remotely. The products generated and associated packaging, certificates of authenticity, instruction manuals and licence numbers may optionally include customer specific information, and customer given personalisation. Additional security features include storing essential parts of the digitised information remotely so that products can not be generated using only locally stored information; and recording the digitised information on the at least final segments of longer than standard format CDs preventing complete copies onto CDs of standard format.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the electronic distribution of digitised information on demand, remote and/or local mass data stores are used to store digitised information for use in the generation of products such as software media. Available products and related information can be searched, browsed and requested at a local fulfilment unit; or requests can be made remotely. The products generated and associated packaging, certificates of authenticity, instruction manuals and licence numbers may optionally include customer specific information, and customer given personalisation. Additional security features include storing essential parts of the digitised information remotely so that products can not be generated using only locally stored information; and recording the digitised information on the at least final segments of longer than standard format CDs preventing complete copies onto CDs of standard format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing digitised information comprises presentation of digitised information such as software titles at a user advice point such as a computer terminal. The user selects a desired product and the terminal provides a high resolution display image of the packaging which can be zoomed or panned allowing the user to make an informed decision about purchase of the product. In addition the user can order the product such that download and burning of the product and printing of the packaging take place instantly whilst the user is carrying out a subsequent payment step.

Abstract: A method and system for selling a software product, and for preventing theft at the point of purchase, comprises: manufacturing a product (26), preferably at a sales outlet (20); generating a unique unlock code for the product, without which the product will not operate; displaying the product for sale at the sales outlet, while storing the unlock code separately form the product; and, on purchase of the product by a customer, supplying the customer with both the product and the unlock code. Since the unlock code is not printed onto the packaging, nor is it burned to the CD or other machine-readable media, the product can safely be left out for display and purchase in store without substantial risk of theft.